President Muhammadu Buhari promises free and fair in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria.
Buhari said this during his keynote address at the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
“Let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019,” said Buhari.
“Contrary to the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents.
“We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.”
Buhari also called on the states parties to support ICC with jurisdiction over serious cases of corruption and illicit financial flows. “A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability,” Buhari continued.
“These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.
“These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart.”
Photo Credit: Getty
